LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – In 2024, there were more than 6,000 incidents involving dog attacks, according to the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Here in Michigan, the state ranks seventh in the country for dog bites and incidents in 2024, with 231 attacks. Detroit is tied for 10th among cities with the most attacks, with 32.
Mark Inglett with USPS hopes this campaign will bring more awareness and education to customers on how they can keep letter carriers and their dogs safe.
“We’re just trying to bring awareness to our customers…we’re trying to bring education to our customers to make sure we can avoid that interaction altogether, between our pets and our letter carriers,” Inglett said.
Inglett says customers with dogs should keep their pets inside or in a fenced-in backyard and away from the letter carriers at all times.
In the event a carrier has to come to your door, “take your pet to a room, shut that door behind you before you come to the front door,” Inglett said.
Hector Hernandez is a dog trainer who has been working with USPS workers on how to keep them safe from attacks.
“Some of those things really is to be aware of your surroundings, that’s primary. And the next is having the tools necessary to defend yourself,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez says to keep something between the dog and yourself, like a mail satchel. He says even after the attack, workers could still be affected.
“Oh, PTSD. Some of these dog attacks are very serious. I think, us, as dog owners, we forget that every single one of these dogs’ teeth is designed to cut flesh,” he said.
Hernandez believes more responsibility should be put on the dog’s owner to keep their pet away from letter carriers.
According to the USPS, they train workers on what to do in the event of a dog attack.
- “Make a non-threatening noise or rattle a fence to alert a dog if entering a yard;
- Never startle a dog;
- Keep their eyes on any dog;
- Never assume a dog will not bite;
- Never attempt to pet or feed a dog; and
- Place their foot against an outward swinging door to prevent a dog from escaping.“
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